Kyiv has experienced ballistic missile strikes for two consecutive nights, with attacks intensifying despite a recent announcement of an energy ceasefire between the United States and Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Washington of failing to provide prior warnings of incoming missile launches and of slowing internet connectivity on Starlink terminals crucial to Ukraine’s military communications and early warning systems.
The missile attacks on October 12 and 13 targeted civilian infrastructure and energy facilities in Kyiv, leaving more than 600,000 residents without power. Zelensky described the missile strikes as "particularly vile" and emphasized the critical role of timely intelligence in saving lives. He expressed frustration that usual advance warnings from Western allies, particularly the United States, had not been received before these strikes.
Ukrainian officials have suggested several possible explanations for the lack of warnings, including the use of hard-to-detect missile technology by Russia. However, a senior Ukrainian official pointed to the United States, alleging that Washington’s recent reduction in information sharing and deliberate slowing of Starlink internet speeds have hindered Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively to Russian attacks. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has been a vital element in maintaining battlefield communications and countering Russian drone assaults, including those involving jet-propelled Shahed drones.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha sought to reassure the public at the Warsaw Security Forum, stating Ukraine was still receiving U.S. military intelligence and attributing delays to the specifics of the weapons used by Russia. Nonetheless, experts have underscored Ukraine’s heavy reliance on U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly the Space-Based Infrared System, which provides early warning of missile launches—a capability that other Western European allies cannot match.
On his part, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Washington continues to support Ukraine and share intelligence. He also reiterated efforts to work with both Kyiv and Moscow to end the nearly five-year conflict. Trump refrained from confirming whether Russia had broken the ceasefire following the announcement of a "diesel deal" that would allow Russian fuel exports, a move that has frustrated Ukraine and raised concerns about potentially financing Russia’s military operations. Trump dismissed questions about the implications of this deal on continued Russian attacks or its impact on U.S. fuel prices.
Since Trump’s energy ceasefire announcement on October 11, Ukraine has refrained from targeting Russian refineries, while Russia reportedly ceased attacks on Ukrainian energy sites overnight for the first time. However, missile strikes continued to disrupt other infrastructure such as transport and logistics. The Kremlin maintained a cautious stance, confirming only that dialogue on the ceasefire is ongoing.
Ukrainian officials noted that recent strikes killed at least four people in Kharkiv and injured dozens across the country. Ukraine’s military is investigating the failure of early warning mechanisms during these attacks. Meanwhile, Zelensky indicated readiness for further diplomatic discussions with U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aiming to explore ways to de-escalate the conflict and work toward peace.
Foreign Minister Sybiha highlighted Ukraine’s strengthened position in the conflict, referencing earlier remarks by Trump that Kyiv had “no cards,” which he said had shifted to Ukraine choosing “not to play your cards.” Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s openness to reciprocal steps toward de-escalation and called on international partners to increase pressure on Russia to abide by peace efforts.